President's Report

Brandon Clokey Last updated 

As we begin the 2026–2027 Board year, I want to briefly reflect on the recent D+B Cleveland Conference. While attendance was lower than we had hoped, it was an extremely positive and meaningful experience for those who attended. The energy, education, and connections demonstrated the value these gatherings can bring to our members. We will continue evaluating what worked and where we can improve as we begin planning for an even stronger 2027 conference in Williamsburg.


I would also like to welcome back our returning Board members and thank each of you for your continued commitment to AIBD. A special welcome goes to Jon Rentfrow and Gene Giles. We are extremely honored to have both of you joining us for the 2026–2027 Board year, and I look forward to the experience, perspectives, and energy you will bring to our leadership team.


One of our most important priorities as we begin this new year is the renewed focus on our committees. Significant work has been completed to establish updated goals and directives that will serve as the primary road maps for our committees and committee chairs. These directives are intended to provide greater clarity, purpose, accountability, and direction as we work toward the larger goals of the Institute.


A More Forward-Focused Board


Beginning in October, I will be asking each committee to make a slight but important change to its Board reports. While reports should briefly update the Board on recent and past activities, they should also include a Looking Forward section.


Committee reports should be concise and divided into two primary sections:


1. Recent Activities
This section should briefly summarize significant activities, decisions, accomplishments, or updates that have occurred since the previous Board meeting. The purpose is to keep the Board informed—not to provide a lengthy review of every committee discussion or activity.


2. Looking Forward
This section should become the primary focus of each committee report and should clearly identify:


  • Immediate priorities: What will the committee be working on between now and the next Board meeting?
  • Monthly goals: What specific progress or outcomes does the committee expect to achieve in the coming month?
  • Long-term goals: What larger objectives is the committee working toward during the year?
  • Needs or challenges: Are there decisions, resources, support, or guidance needed from the Board to help the committee continue moving forward?


The goal is not simply to report on what has already happened. Our Board meetings must increasingly become opportunities to discuss what comes next.


The reason for this change is simple: if we are spending 85% of our time looking backward and only 15% of our time discussing new and unfinished business that is focused on the future, then WE are the problem.


Our forward focus must become the primary goal of this Board and our meetings. We cannot build the future of AIBD by spending the majority of our time simply reporting on what has already happened. We must be intentional about discussing what comes next, what needs to be accomplished, and how we will continue moving the Institute forward.


We have a great deal of work ahead of us, but we should also remember to enjoy what we do. During the Meeting of the Members in Cleveland, a first-time attendee made a comment following the reports that has stayed with me: “It seems like no one likes their job.”


While I do not believe that truly reflects how our leaders feel, it is an important reminder of how we can sometimes appear when we become consumed by responsibilities and challenges.


As a Board, we have significant responsibilities. But perhaps one of our greatest responsibilities is preserving a positive culture and remaining true to our mission. If we want AIBD to be positive, engaging, welcoming, and inspiring to our members, that culture must begin with us.


As we begin this new Board year, let us remain focused on meaningful progress, committed to looking forward, supportive of one another—and intentional about enjoying the important work we have the opportunity to do together.


Respectfully,

Brandon Clokey